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Secretory lysozyme of the human middle ear mucosa: immunocytochemical localization
Abstract:
Lysozyme was demonstrated by an immunocytochemical technique in the biopsied mucosa obtained from the promontory of the fifteen patients who had chronic middle ear effusions. Lysozyme was localized in the mucigen granules of the secretory cells, as well as in the specific granules of the polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukobytes (PMN) and macrophages. The specimens obtained from patients with mucous effusion showed numerous secretory cells that contained lysozyme, in sharp contrast to the serous type in which only a few secretory cells could be found. The present morphological finding was in agreement with the biochemical finding which demonstrated higher lysozyme level in mucous effusions than that of the serous type. It was concluded that human middle ear mucosa provided lysozyme and that its secretion was active in serous otitis media, particularly of mucoid type.
Insights
This study found lysozyme in middle ear mucosa cells, particularly in mucous effusions. Lysozyme secretion is active in chronic middle ear infections, especially the mucoid type.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Chronic middle ear effusions are a common condition.
- The role of lysozyme in middle ear effusions requires further elucidation.
- Understanding the cellular source and secretion of lysozyme is crucial for managing otitis media.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and localization of lysozyme in the middle ear mucosa of patients with chronic middle ear effusions.
- To correlate lysozyme levels with the type of middle ear effusion (mucous vs. serous).
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemical techniques were used to detect lysozyme in biopsied middle ear mucosa.
- Specimens were obtained from fifteen patients with chronic middle ear effusions.
- Morphological analysis focused on lysozyme localization within secretory cells, polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), and macrophages.
Main Results:
- Lysozyme was identified in mucigen granules of secretory cells and granules of PMN and macrophages.
- Mucous effusions showed significantly more secretory cells containing lysozyme compared to serous effusions.
- Biochemical analysis confirmed higher lysozyme levels in mucous effusions than in serous effusions.
Conclusions:
- Human middle ear mucosa actively secretes lysozyme.
- Lysozyme secretion plays a role in serous otitis media, particularly in the mucoid subtype.
- These findings contribute to understanding the pathophysiology of chronic middle ear effusions.